A smart person in just one word.

[Helen1999]

I am wondering if there is a way to say “an intelligent/smart person” in just one word (providing that it is a noun). I started thinking about it about an hour ago and haven’t found any solutions so far. The only word that occurred to me was the word “smarty” but as far as I know it’s often used in a derogatory way. I tried to check it and got even more confused. Some online dictionaries say that that word describes only a would be smart person (so it’s just deriding/humorous/derogatory), some on the contrary explain its meaning as “a smart person”. And some mention both meanings. So I hope that I can get some thorough explanation on what that word might mean in different contexts and situations on this website. And maybe you have some ideas on how to describe a bright/smart person with just one noun (without help of an adjective, and if that word is a slang word— it’s totally ok).
Thank you in advance for any answers .

 

[teechar]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum.
Try "genius" or possibly "prodigy". Also, take a look at the following link. You might find some useful synonyms in it.

Thesaurus results for GENIUS

Synonyms for GENIUS: wizard, intellect, wiz, brain, thinker, whiz, nerd, brainiac; Antonyms of GENIUS: idiot, moron, imbecile, dunce, dolt, dope, numbskull, blockhead

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[Helen1999]

Thank you so much for your help. “Genius” or “prodigy“ won’t be suitable for the context I need, but thank you anyway.
And thanks for the link as well.

 

[teechar]

What context/scenario do you have in mind?

 

[SoothingDave]

Einstein